Articles by Section - LOCAL

The closing paragraph of General Douglas MacArthur's April 19, 1951 address to Congress: "I still remember the refrain of one of the most popular barracks ballads of the day which proclaimed most proudly that old soldiers never die; they just fade away. And like the old soldier in the ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away, an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty."

The City of Covington will continue another section of the City's major water line improvement project this month, resulting in the temporary closure of a sidewalk along Jackson Highway from Town Branch Court north to Pennington Street.

Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) members and members of Georgia's ag community enjoyed a festive evening March 7 as the organization held its inaugural gala for the GFB Foundation for Agriculture at the Evergreen Marriott Resort in Stone Mountain Park.

In the midst of this beautiful spring weather, it's the perfect time to get out and run or just enjoy the outdoors. It can also be a good time to bond with the family. This is why there is so much anticipation for the 14th Annual Cheerios Challenge held right here in Covington, at the YMCA on April 18.

Local families living with seizure disorders welcomed Governor Nathan Deal's executive order this week greenlighting cannabis oil medical treatment in Georgia, but emphasized that they remain committed to in-state growing.

Baxalta Incorporated is still making its way toward bringing a large amount of new jobs and a new level of industrial growth to Newton County, and it progressed another step during a meeting of the Joint Development Authority (JDA) Tuesday.

The Newton County Board of Commissioners narrowly approved this week a motion to restore the county chair with the full powers invested in the position by the charter, effective January 1, 2017, and to set up another citizens committee to review and update the language of the charter.

Elise Hammond's oil portrait entitled "Jeff," which depicts her son-in-law, has been accepted into the Spring Juried Exhibition of The Portrait Society of Atlanta. Hammond's work was one of a select few to have been included by the well-known jurist Dawn Whitelaw and may be seen at the show to be held at The Gallery at Paper Mill Village in Marietta. The opening reception will be May 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Since joining The Portrait Society of Atlanta in 2009, Hammond has had four portraits juried into the three shows, and was honored ...

Randall Hardy admits to severe depression following his stroke several years ago.

"The effects of a stroke can be very frustrating, particularly for someone young like me," Hardy said. "In addition to the challenges of recovery I really struggled with what was my purpose now in life."

Treats for the troops: Alcovy Girl Scout Service Unit recently sold 840 boxes of cookies to be donated to Operation Sandbox. Local Girl Scouts of all levels came together April 12 to send off all the Girl Scout Cookies they sold to be donated. The cookies will be sent to troops very quickly and Virginia Pearson, head of the local Operation Sandbox, was thrilled to receive so many boxes of the delicious treats. Many boxes had labels on them where people had written messages to the troops thanking them for their service as well as words of prayer.

New chamber President Hunter Hall spoke with several prominent community members at a meet-and-greet ceremony at the Chamber Wednesday morning. The Covington-Newton County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hired Hall on April 7 to grow chamber membership, meet current members' needs and manage the chamber staff.

All lanes on Interstate 20 east were blocked on both sides near exit 101 just after 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning when a double tractor trailer carrying hazardous materials overturned in the median at the Social Circle Road overpass. The truck was carrying a myriad of items, including a small amount of sodium chloride, and Walton County Fire Department's Hazardous Material Team were able to secure the load.

The Mall at Stonecrest presents the first annual Spring Fair at Stonecrest, Wednesday, May 5 through Sunday, May 9. Celebrate with Mom that week with rides, games, food and family fun at the Mall at Stonecrest. The Spring Fair gates open to the public on May 5th at 5 p.m. and will feature 22 thrill rides that include the YoYo, Matterhorn (Himalaya), Cliff Hanger, Fireball, Bumper cars, Sizzler, Family Swing, Raiders, Tilt, Gravitron, Inverter, Power Surge, Mini-Indy, Ferris Wheel, Kiddie Land, Slide, Train and Merry Go Round.

Charles Hill Morris Jr., publisher of The Covington News, is pleased to announce the hiring of Tracy Batye to the newly created position of director of online marketing.

"I have lived in Covington for 16 years and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join The Covington News family and to work with local businesses to help them with their online advertising needs," Batye said.

The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) is providing a 2010 Summer Youth Work Experience for eligible youth in the 12 county Northeast Georgia area. Efforts are underway to secure federal funding to provide these services for 300 to 1,300 youth for the months of June and July. Calls to be put on the work experience waiting list began April 1 and will continue until all available appointment slots are filled. Youth must be between 14 to 24 years of age. NEGRC serves the counties of Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton. Each ...